chased leaders on inside to over 2f out, soon weakened
raced keenly in touch, chased winner inside final 2f, ridden and effort over 1f out, not pace to challenge and well held final furlong
settled in rear, raced keenly, ridden over 2f out, no impression on leaders, kept on to take 3rd post
led narrowly, ridden and headed 3f out, weakened quickly over 2f out
held up in rear, ridden and outpaced over 2f out, stayed on well inside final furlong nearest finish
tracked leaders on outside, ridden and effort 2f out, soon one pace, lost 3rd post
pressed leader, led 3f out, ridden clear over 1f out, stayed on well final furlong and driven out
FLAWLESS DIAMOND is our nomination in this contest although Trusted Venture and Imperial Skylight are sure to have their supporters. Flawless Diamond isn't the most frequent of winners but her recent runs under Luke Morris have shaped quite well and in a track that can favour the backrunner, she could have things in her favour this afternoon. Trusted Venture has a very American pedigree so it is no surprise the artificial surfaces yielding so much fruit. The form of that Great Leighs nursery that he took looks solid in relation to many other lines on offer. Fleur De'Lion was behind on that occasion and isn't one to rely upon as far as reversing form is concerned. Imperial Skylight has attempted to front run in the past. His rider is in good form at present but Mick Channon appears unclear of the optimum trip at present. Nun Today is back in blinkers having shown no improvement for cheekpieces. Ain't Talkin' and Spiritual Bond have it to do. Flawless Diamond is the call.
Trusted Venture (USA) 14-1 (9-3) Raceed freely start, pulled hard in touch, led over 1f out, ridden out, won at Great Leighs 1m 2yo hcp (6) pol in Dec beating Andean Margin (10-0) by a nk, 11 ran.
Imperial Skylight 7-2fav (9-3) Led after 1f, ridden 2f out, headed close home, 3rd of 11, 1/2l behind Alexander Family (9-4) at W'hampton 7f 3yo hcp (6) pol.
Flawless Diamond (IRE) 4-1 (8-10) Chased leaders, ridden and not much room approaching 2f out, kept on final furlong, 5th of 11, 2l behind Alexander Family (9-4) at W'hampton 7f 3yo hcp (6) pol.
Spiritual Bond 14-1 (8-4) Towards rear, never dangerous, 9th of 10, 21l behind Miss Xu Xia (8-4) at Southwell 7f 2yo sll (6) fbs in Nov.
Fleur de Lion (IRE) 4-1 (8-10) Tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, switched left over 1f out, one pace inside final furlong, 6th of 10, 4 1/2l behind Fantastic Fred (8-13) at W'hampton 1m 1f 3yo hcp (6) pol.
Nun Today (USA) 11-1 (8-8) Mid-division, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened, 9th of 11, 9l behind Alexander Family (9-4) at W'hampton 7f 3yo hcp (6) pol.
Ain't Talkin' 33-1 (8-8) Slowly into stride, never dangerous, 8th of 10, 7l behind Mr Willis (9-5) at Lingfield 7f 2yo hcp (6) pol in Dec.